Fourth Annual Northampton Chalk Art Festival

Following a juried selection process, ten artists have been invited to render their work in chalk on cement canvases located throughout downtown Northampton. Cash prizes of $250, $150, and $100 will be awarded by a panel of judges for the top three creations. Presentations are made on the steps of city hall at 5 pm.

Drawing takes place downtown from 8 am until 4 pm on the day of the event. The public is encouraged to watch the chalk art pieces develop and to view completed work in the evening while enjoying Northampton’s monthly gallery walk from 5-8 pm. The public is also invited to an informal “family free draw” at Pulaski Park from 4-6 pm. Chalk will be provided for anyone who wants to participate.

Selected artists include former festival prize winners Stephanie Gerolimatos of Holyoke, Smith College student Aida Aiyi Zhang, and partners Scot Padget and Jon Hanna from “The Living Art Studio.” Mosaic master Robert Markey returns to compete again. Clara Flynn of Northampton, Jennifer Gutterman of Easthampton, Aaron Harris of Springfield, and Dean McKeever of East Longmeadow participate for the first time as does Amy “BannerQueen” Johnquest. Also joining the competition is Rochelle Shicoff, one of the original “Hestia Mural” artists.

The chalk art sites include: William Baczek Fine Arts at 36 Main; First Churches at Main and Center; A.P.E. Gallery at 126 Main; the corner of Main and Old South; Skera at 221 Main; the Academy of Music walkway, Forbes Library and the Smith College Museum. Along the route, viewers have an opportunity to stop in at venues that participate in Arts Night Out. A detailed listing of exhibitions appears on the Arts Night Out website and is published in the monthly brochures found at participating locations where maps of the chalk art sites are also available.

The Northampton Chalk Art Festival is sponsored by the Northampton Business Improvement District, Chartpak Inc. and PeoplesBank. It is produced in cooperation with the City of Northampton, the Northampton Center for the Arts, and Arts Night Out.